Package for articles of manufacture

Abstract

A multiple package has a top planar layer, a bottom layer, and an intermediate layer suitably bonded together to form an integral laminated structure. The intermediate layer has a plurality of projections extending through respective openings in the top layer. Articles of manufacture, such as wrench sockets, are slidably mounted over the respective projections and are retained thereon. The top and bottom layers of the multiple package are scored, both longitudinally and transversely, intermediately of the projections and to a sufficient depth, to enable an individual package to be cleanly broken off the multiple package.

I claim: 
     
       1. A multiple package for distribution and merchandising of wrench sockets, tool accessories, and the like, comprising a bonded laminated planar structure having a substantially rectangular plan outline and including a top layer, a bottom layer, and an intermediate layer, one of the top or bottom layers having a plurality of openings formed therein, the openings being spaced apart from one another and being arranged in respective columns and rows, the intermediate layer being formed from a plastic material and having a plurality of projections formed integrally therewith, the projections extending through the respective openings in the one layer, whereby the wrench sockets, tool accessories, and the like may be carried by the respective projections and retained by a slight interference fit, and the top and bottom layers being scored both longitudinally and transversely, intermediately of the projections and to a sufficient depth which extends partially into the intermediate plastic layer from at least one side thereof, whereby, as desired, an individual package may be cleanly broken off the multiple package by a "snap action". 
     
     
       2. The package of claim 1, wherein the intermediate plastic layer is scored from both sides thereof. 
     
     
       3. The package of claim 1, wherein merchandising information is printed on the exposed surface of the top layer. 
     
     
       4. The package of claim 1, wherein inventory control information is printed on the exposed surface of the bottom layer. 
     
     
       5. The package of claim 1, wherein the respective openings are formed in the top layer, wherein the projections are substantially tubular and extend upwardly through the respective openings in the top layer, and wherein the wrench sockets are received over the projections and are carried thereby. 
     
     
       6. A multiple package for distribution and merchandising of wrench sockets, tool accessories, and the like, comprising a bonded laminated planar structure having a substantially rectangular plan outline and including a top layer, a bottom layer, and an intermediate layer, whereby merchandising information may be printed on the exposed surface of the top layer, and whereby inventory control information may be printed on the exposed surface of the bottom layer, the top layer having a plurality of openings formed therein, the openings being spaced apart from one another and being arranged in respective columns and rows, the intermediate layer being formed from a plastic material and having a plurality of upstanding tubular projections formed integrally therewith, the projections extending through the respective openings in the top layer, whereby the wrench sockets, tool accessories, and the like may be carried by the respective projections and retained by a slight interference fit, and the top and bottom layers being scored both longitudinally and transversely, intermediately of the projections and to a sufficient depth which extends partially into the intermediate plastic layer from both sides thereof, whereby, as desired, an individual package may be cleanly broken off the multiple package by a "snap action". 
     
     
       7. A multiple package for distribution and merchandising of wrench sockets, tool accessories, and the like, comprising a bonded laminated planar structure having a substantially rectangular plan outline and including a pair of layers, one of which has a plurality of openings formed therein, the openings being spaced apart from one another and being arranged in respective columns and rows, the other layer having a plurality of projections formed integrally therewith, the projections extending through the respective openings in the one layer, whereby the wrench sockets, tool accessories, and the like may be carried by the respective projections and retained by a slight interference fit, and the one layer being scored both longitudinally and transversely, intermediately of the projections and to a sufficient depth which extends partially into the other layer, whereby, as desired, an individual package may be cleanly broken off the multiple package by a "snap action".